Receptionist accused of stealing residents' funds at Dade City nursing home

DADE CITY — A receptionist at a nursing home is accused of stealing $3,915 from the trust fund accounts of four residents at Heritage Park — all women, ages 85, 86, 90 and 101 years old, according to the Dade City Police Department.

Janice Lynn Smith, 27, was arrested at the nursing home when she showed up for work Wednesday morning. She is charged with four counts of exploitation of the elderly.

Authorities said the investigation began Tuesday when the home's administrator called, worried about discrepancies in the accounts found by staffers.

Smith, of 36940 Howard Ave. in Dade City, admitted to taking the money, authorities said.

Staff members at Heritage Park, located at 37135 Coleman Ave. in Dade City, declined to comment on the incident. Smith was fired Wednesday morning, the Police Department said.

This is her first arrest in Florida, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.